U.S. lawmakers continue to focus on the coming move of the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), with top Democrats on the House Ag Committee.
House Ag Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations Chair Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, and House Ag Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Chair Rep. Stacy Plaskett, D-V.I., penned a letter June 27 to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, expressing continued concern about the move.
Relocating ERS and NIFA to the Kansas City area from the Washington, D.C., region runs "counter" to Perdue's goal of ensuring "USDA programs are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with integrity and a focus on customer service," the lawmakers stated.
Important research by ERS and NIFA is at risk due to the location, the lawmakers said, noting the potential loss of staff and institutional knowledge from employees who chose not to move with the agencies.
"If this misguided move is pushed forward, USDA will lose valued employees, critical institutional knowledge, and the ability to adequately serve stakeholders in a time of great need," they added.
While some lawmakers continue to express grave concerns with the potential move, there are starting to become fewer options that lawmakers have to address the USDA action before it takes place later this year.
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